UCL/Russian Collaboration on Space Crew Behavioural Psychology

22 February 2011

The UK and Russia will share expertise, knowledge and innovation in
space science, thanks to a joint statement being signed today (22nd
February 2011) by both countries in Moscow.

The UK-Russia Year
of Space 2011 puts in place an agreement for enhanced collaboration in
space science research. This will see University College London and the
Institute of Medical and Biological Problems in Russia work together on
a psychological study concerning crew behaviour in space.

Another
experiment under discussion between Kingston University and the Russian
Federal Space Agency Roscosmos will look at how fluids behave in
microgravity. This would be carried out in the UK for operation on the
International Space Station.

In addition to this, a series of
events will be held to highlight both countries’ world-class experience
in this area. These include a series of ‘Space Science Cafes’ to bring
together leading UK and Russian senior space scientists to share
knowledge, and look at priority areas for future research.

Speaking from Moscow, Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts said:

“The
UK plays an important role in space science and research throughout the
world. Only a few weeks ago cameras engineered by British scientists in
the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory were used by NASA to take the first
360° view of the Sun.

“We need to continue to share this
knowledge and expertise, and the UK Russia Year of Space 2011 is a
fantastic opportunity to do just that. We already have a history of
space research collaboration with Russia, and I hope this partnership
will lead to more groundbreaking work for years to come.”

The
joint statement was signed by the UK Space Agency and Roscosmos during
Mr Willetts’ visit to Russia to promote greater cooperation on life
sciences, physics, climate science, energy efficiency, nanotechnology
and space science.